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Women want their own race in Tour de France

For 100 years, the Tour de France has been the most prestigious bicycle rice in the world. In an average year, nearly 30 countries are represented. After a century of races, the Tour de France carries on its

For 100 years, the Tour de France has been the most prestigious bicycle rice in the world. In an average year, nearly 30 countries are represented.

After a century of races, the Tour de France carries on its tradition of only allowing men to compete. Kathryn Bertine, an American cyclist, journalist and filmmaker, recently launched an online petition on Change.org directed toward Christian Prudhomme, the Tour director, hoping to change that.

Her petition asks that women be allowed to compete in the 2014 race.

After five days, the petition – which was also written by Olympic cyclists Marianne Vos and Emma Pooley and Ironman champion Chrissie Wellington – has garnered more than 28,000 signatures, partly because of Bertine promoting the petition on her website and Twitter page.

"I've personally had a business plan for initiating this change since 2009, and since then I've been bonding with like-minded women who want to see a change, so now I think we're in the position to make this happen," Bertine said. "We're excited to see the petition taking off, but we're not at all shocked. It's something I think the world would and should be behind."

Bertine said that the intent of the petition is not to have women compete against men, but to have a separate professional women's field of the same name and distance on the same days as the men's race.

"Everybody's saying the Tour de France is turning 100, but all female cyclists are saying that the Men's Tour de France is turning 100 and we still haven't been invited yet."

Bertine said other women have tried to push for equality in cycling, but she doesn't believe that there's a valid reason why they shouldn't be included in the Tour de France.

"We think that it's sexism and discrimination, whether it's intentional or not is another avenue to explore. But we do think they certainly haven't tried to help."

When asked about the petition Tuesday, Prudhomme told the Associated Press, "We are not saying anything at the moment."

USA Cycling released a statement that said it encourages and supports equality in the sport, which is reflected in its national championships. "A stand-alone women's Tour de France would be a great platform to showcase the top talent in women's cycling, but we also appreciate there will be major logistical, financial and broadcasting challenges and ramifications in having a women's race parallel the men's event," the statement said.

In 1984 the Tour de France Féminin was created, but the race "lacked parity, media coverage, and sponsorship," according to Bertine's petition. The race ultimately changed its name to the Grand Boucle and was discontinued after 2009.

"Were going to do everything that we need to do to make sure we end this tradition of sexism in sports. We will do whatever is necessary so that our voices are heard," Bertine said.

The 2013 Tour de France has been underway since June 29 and ends Sunday.